The Northern Territory's population increased by 1,400 people (0.7%) in the year ended 30 June 2004, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.

This is the largest annual population growth rate in the Northern Territory since the year ended 30 June 2001 (1.1%).

The Territory grew faster than South Australia (0.5%) and the Australian Capital Territory (0.2%) and at the same rate as New South Wales (0.7%). However, the remaining five other states grew faster, ranging from 1.0% for Tasmania up to 2.1% for Queensland.

During the 12 months ended 30 June 2004, natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) added 2,900 people to the Northern Territory population, while net overseas migration contributed a further 600 people.

However, the Territory's population gains were offset by losses from net interstate migration. While 15,400 people arrived in the Territory from interstate in the year ended 30 June 2004 (up 600 from the previous financial year), 17,500 left the Territory for interstate (down 650 from the previous financial year). Taken together, net interstate migration decreased the Northern Territory population by 2,100 people, however this was lower than the net annual loss of 3,400 in the previous financial year.

As at 30 June 2004, the Territory was estimated to have a resident population of 199,900.

Today's release contains the latest available data on natural increase, net interstate migration and net overseas migration, and their contribution to the population size and growth of the Australian states and territories.

Over the year ended 30 June 2004, Australia's population grew by 238,700 people (an increase of 1.2%) and reached 20.1 million.

More details are in Australian Demographic Statistics, June quarter 2004(cat. no. 3101.0).